Winter: A Solstice Story

by Kelsey E. Gross, Renata Liwska (Illustrator)

From debut author Kelsey Gross and New York Times bestselling artist Renata Liwska comes a gentle and lulling picture book celebrating the magic of the Winter Solstice with a group of animal friends in a quiet forest.Tonight is the longest night of the year—solstice is here! Deep in the forest, the dark, cold, and quiet of winter is all around. Owl, Mouse, and Deer all watch the light fades and dark surrounds them, but they have a gift of hope to share with their neighbors. The moon and stars shine down on a lone tree in the forest, and the animals gather around to bask in its light. Winter Solstice arrives as the winter sky brings magic for all to share.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens, Nature, Holiday, Christmas, Fiction

32 pages, ebook

First published October 10, 2023

About the author

Kelsey E. Gross grew up in Wisconsin and lived in New Mexico and California before returning to the Midwest. She now lives in Michigan's Upper Peninsula with her partner, son, and silly, snow-loving pup. When she's not writing, she looks for owls and other forest friends while hiking and skiing in the woods. Kelsey strives to write books that inspire kids – and grown-ups – to take care of one another and the natural world. Find her online at kelseyegross.com

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a warmth and softness about this book that is so welcome on these short, cold winter days. As usual, Liwska's animals are adorable (other reviewers have commented this is a book you feel like hugging) and the lyrical text reminds us that winter is a time for planning, for hope, and for coming together. I honestly felt the final few pages were a bit out-of-place with the bear showing up and the creatures being initially fearful I think it was meant to show that we should welcome everyone, but there was nothing previously in the text to indicate that these sweet forest creatures would ever even dream of excluding anyone. I felt there could have been a bit more emotional resonance with the ending. But, overall, this is a sweet story for the littles -- or perhaps an adult who needs that warm hug of a book in the middle of winter. Do note this is not a book to teach about winter solstice (the science, traditions, etc.) but rather to give a feel of cultivating hope during the darkest days.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

Illustrations are lovely but I can’t say the story resonated with me.

[Kelly {SpaceOnTheBookcase] · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet story for young readers about animals who work together to survive winter solstice, there comes apart in the book where the pages fold out and I found that to be confusing and easily missed because of the layout of the book. The story was well written; the illustrations are well done but the layout of the design could have been better.

Thank you Simon Kids for gifting me a copy to review.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story for winter solstice with lovely digitally drawn illustrations that time of day called twilight. All the animals are shown as a dog or able peaceful creatures. The story is a bit weak and the text rhymes in many places. Have read a couple of other solstice stories and they all have some difficulty in conveying the essence of a solstice. Looking forward to seeing what this team does in their May release about the summer solstice.

[Peacegal · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars--A sweet, calming story with adorable, soft focus illustrations, this story depicts the woodland animals' celebration of the longest night of the year. Each helps decorate a tree and the surrounding area with gifts of hope for a cozy and safe winter.

[Juli Anna · Rating 2 out of 5]

Heartfelt, with cute illustrations, but the story fell flat, especially at the end.

[Stephanie Brinkley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must-have for your seasonal picture book collection! Winter: A Solstice Story filled my heart with warmth and joy. It is a sweet story of forest animals coming together to share gifts of hope on the darkest night of the year with creatures near and far. Kelsey Gross has crafted a story that is not only heartwarming but is fun to read aloud, with colorful, juicy words and sprinkles of rhyme. It is a book adults will enjoy reading aloud over and over again and children will come back to year after year. Renata Liwska’s illustrations are breathtaking and have been perfectly paired with this whimsical text. She has brought to life this magical celebration.

[Jyoti Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the sun sets on the longest night of the year, Owl invites the creatures of the forest to help him “shine the light and the gift of hope”. In this gentle lyrical story by Kelsey Gross, Deer, Squirrel, Mouse, Duck, Rabbit, Raccoon, Chickadee and… an unexpected visitor, answer the call. Renata Liwska’s soothing, soft illustrations are a perfect complement to the message of this book, that together, on even the darkest of days, we can find ways to bring laughter, light and hope. And look towards brighter days. A sweet addition to a home or school library.

[Jolene Gutiérrez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This winter solstice story is filled with soft, gorgeous illustrations and lovely, lyrical language. Meet owl and more forest friends as they share food and resources to help spread light on the longest night. The book includes a beautiful gatefold that reveals what the animals have been working on! Highly recommended for all homes, schools, and libraries!

[Abigail · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winter Solstice arrives in this lovely seasonal picture book from debut American author Kelsey E. Gross and Polish-Canadian illustrator Renata Liwska, as Owl invites all of his woodland friends to help him shine a light on this longest of nights. Each of the animals brings something to share, in decorating a beautiful tree, and sharing the light of the season, until their festivities even rouse slumbering bear, who joins the celebration...

Picture books about the Winter Solstice are none too plentiful, so when I discovered that Winter: A Solstice Story was due out, and that it was to be illustrated by Renata Liwska, whose work I have greatly enjoyed in such titles as Deborah Underwood's The Quiet Book and its sequels, as well as Liwska's own Red Wagon , I was quite excited. Happily, I can report that the book lived up to my expectations, with a sweet story about woodland creatures celebrating together, each one bringing what they can to contribute to the Solstice, and absolutely adorable illustrations that feel soft and welcoming. I particularly liked the fold-out four-page depiction of the Solstice tree! Recommended to picture book readers looking for gentle Winter Solstice stories, as well as to fellow Liwska fans.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Kelsey E. Gross’s debut picture book, WINTER: A SOLSTICE STORY, celebrates the longest night of the year.

The lyrical story begins as “Owl watches as
sunlight dims to a shimmer and starlight scatters across snow dust.” Other forest creatures, including a deer, squirrel, and raccoon, join Owl in decorating a tree with feathers, grasses, and berries. What happens when their joyful celebration attracts a much larger animal?

Renata Liwska’s muted illustrations capture the way snow and dusk soften the world. The animals are adorable, especially in the spread of them making snow angels.

This first book in The Solstice Series is the perfect story to snuggle up with at bedtime.

Publisher: Simon & Schuster/Paula Wiseman Books
Pages: 32
Ages: 4 - 8

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[Rebecca Gardyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book – a story of hope, helpfulness, and friendship – is absolutely STUNNING. The author uses gorgeously rich and lyrical language, setting the mood from the very first line: “Owl watches as sunlight dims to a shimmer and starlight scatters across snow dust.” Wow. Incredible use of alliteration and consonance and all the poetic language that I love so much. AND there’s even a rhyming refrain! This book is a master class in weaving together rhyme, repetition, and poetic language in one beautiful story. The illustrations match the text perfectly, with their soft, sweet, cozy, comforting classic feel. The perfect book to snuggle up with on a cold winter day. Perfection.

[Calista · Rating 3 out of 5]

Animals gather in a forest to celebrate the winter Solstice and bring the light into the new year. Each animal has their own way of bring the light in the darkest day of the year.

Owl gathers everyone together. The finale of the piece is a double full page fold out of a tree with the star on top. It's nice.

The artwork is a mix of white and light blue giving a gray feel. It doesn't seem to be night. The story is cute and the artwork is cute, but to me, the story never elevates. It's just cute. Still, it's nice to get more stories about the Solstice. The days are already getting lighter in 2024.

[K G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter is upon all of nature's creatures and a thoughtful owl wonders who will shine a light for all to see. Spread by spread, woodland creatures each display kindness and hope to answer the call. Kelsey Gross' lyrical voice is soothing and meaningful with each page turn. Illustrator Renata Liwska's winter wonderland matches Gross' tone and style with soft, peaceful, wintry scenes. When conflict arises in the form of an unknown visitor, the owl and friends find a way to add his light to their own. Even though it is about winter, this is a beautiful story for any season!

[Ellen Leventhal · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year, and Owl asks the forest creatures to help him "Shine the light and share the gift of hope." The theme is woven through this story as all the creatures leave something that will give the most precious gift of hope. Kelsy Gross's lovely words and Renata Liwska's beautiful soft illustrations pair to make this book one that will be read over and over again. As adults or children, we all need hope, and this soothing book reminds us that hope can be found in many ways. I highly recommend this book.

[Lynn Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter: A Solstice Story by Kelsey E. Gross and illustrated by Renata Liwska is a treasure filled with wishes of hope and love. Liwska’s beautiful illustrations pairs gracefully with Gross’s lyrical language to create a book of beauty. Owl calls each woodland creature to gather gifts from the forest in celebration of the longest night of the year. Just as “Raccoon stows berries in the snow, gifts of hope for sweet surprises,” readers will find their own sweet surprise within this lovely picture book. I highly recommend Winter: A Solstice Story for readers of ages and seasons.

[Kathryn LeRoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A winter story to warm your heart.

When Owl enlists the support of his forest friends, the winter solstice becomes “a gift of hope” for the longest night of the year. Renata Liwaska captured tender, peaceful, and loving actions through her stunning illustrations. Kelsey Gross shows the power of cooperation and community with her lyrical language that envelops the reader like a warm hug. The animals stop, uncertain of the surprise visitor, but soon learn that our fear of others is often unfounded. A beautiful bedtime story for winter, or any day of the year.

[Jilanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the longest night of the year, how will all the forest creatures usher in the promise of a return to light, a promise of hope? Owl asks the question "Whoo can help me shine the light, and share a gift of hope this night?" In answer, each creatures finds something to offer. This sweet, lyrically written winter story is one of caring, sharing, and welcoming. And its warm heart makes it a lovely read for bedtime or anytime.

[Natasha Khan Kazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter: A Solstice Story is a must-read during the holidays and winter months—the lyrical and heartfelt words from Kelsey E. Gross, and comforting and sweet illustrations from Renata Liwska make this book feel like a warm hug. I loved the stunning vertical spread that emphasizes the beautiful messages in this book about community, kindness, and spreading the light. A sweet addition to a home or school library.

[Caroline Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the longest night of the year, and on this winter solstice Owl has a special request: will his fellow forest creatures help him to give a special solstice gift? A parade of beautifully-illustrated animals leave gifts and wishes, combining to create a universal wish for hope. Kelsey Gross's soothing words lull the reader into the wintry wonderland, and Renata Liwska's stunning, soft illustrations will ensure that this book throughout the four seasons. Delightful!

[Namita Mehra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a magical and gentle book that just put me into a warm and wintery mood (even though I live in tropical singapore!) The gorgeous words by Kelsey are so poetic and comforting! The illustrations are just so warm and fuzzy and cozy! I want to hug this book, I want toys made of all the animals, I want a blanket, I want socks! A perfect read for this time of year and this book would make an excellent gift too!

[Gabi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrated and lyrically written, this gentle tale follows a group of animals deep in the forest "as sunlight dims to a shimmer and starlight scatters across snow dust." It's the longest night of the year -- the Winter Solstice -- and the animals work together to share the light and celebrate this night. This book would make a wonderful gift for any winter-loving or animal-loving child. A hopeful and comforting book perfect for bedtime.

[Sharon McCarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This winter wonderland story has a fun, whimsical feel to help little ones celebrate the longest day of the year and throughout the winter season. It is a perfect choice for an early ed classroom that wants to encourage giving and kindness and gives many examples of how each individual can do that in their own way. The beautiful language, catchy illustrations, and wonderful message make this a must-read. Get the cocoa and snuggly blankets ready!

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely, lyrical story about community and sharing on the night of the winter solstice, the longest night of the year. The illustrations are beautiful and help convey the concept of community. Kindness and giving are encouraged among the menagerie of animals, each being prompted to help bring the light of hope. Explanation of the what the winter solstice is and why it occurs is limited. For younger children, this is a sweet bedtime story.

[Roxanne Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this gorgeously illustrated book, all the forest friends come together to celebrate the winter solstice. Owl, Deer, Squirrel, and other animals share their "light" in different ways. The story is a magical depiction of the solstice and the hope that lies within the darkest day of the year. It is a reminder to help in our own ways, give our unique gifts,and celebrate that even within the longest night there is a cause for connection and celebration.

[Aimee Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous! I was really drawn to the color palette in this book and the story and illustrations did not disappoint. Themes of light and hope and community radiate through the longest night of the year as Owl and neighbors share what they can to celebrate winter. Beautiful rhyme and an unexpected ending drive home the importance of friendship, acceptance, and the light they bring. What a sweet story to share with little ones - Winter is a perfect read for school, home, and library.

[Stephanie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I read this book in high springtime, the soft, snowy, icy-colored illustrations set the mood beautifully. The engagement of multiple forest animals - Owl, Deer, Squirrel and more - lyrically convey the concept of solstice as a time to shine light and hope into the dark night. Each creature has something to contribute and a hope for community well-being that ends up decorating a celebratory tree that has promise for even the most surprising of guests!

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Owl knows the sunset brings the Solstice and asks the creatures of the forest to help illuminate the dark, on this longest of nights. Deer, squirrel, rabbit, duck, and racoon each place items from the land onto a great tree to celebrate the coming of a new season. The animals are fearful when they see they have woken bear, however he has briefly left his hibernation to add a special gift of light. Softly colored illustrations create a chilly but cozy feel to this beginning of Winter story.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Animal-loving kids will adore this book! Kelsey E. Gross’ beautifully lyrical text and Renata Liwska’s sweet, emotive illustrations (especially that stunning vertical spread!) capture the natural wonder of the winter solstice as animals prepare. I’m looking forward to the summer solstice book from the same team! I received a digital ARC from the author.

[Kari Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope, love, and light shine in this Winter Solstice story as animals come together to contribute and celebrate Winter, each other, and all of the hope for the upcoming season with inclusivity and love. I adore Kelsey Gross's lyrical language and the stunning illustrations feel like a warm embrace welcoming everyone to the story.